I looked upon my world and watched as it prospered.
The population was still low, with only twelve people dwelling there, but they all seemed to work well together.
Each human went about their respective tasks with a zeal that told me they cared for the prosperity of the world, as did I.
And for that reason, I decided to name our land Unus, a representation of the oneness that I hoped to achieve amongst my people.
With the help of the newcomers, we had begun to make torches and delve into the mines that lay to the west.
For now, using the tools that were stored in Thomasu's house, we decided to gather stone to make furnaces. Thankfully,
Thomasu already knew how to create one.
We would also use the stones to create other things, such as makeshift swords and arrowheads.
We also aimed to create a mortar and pestle, hoping to gather herbs to make herbal medicines.
One of the new women, Floress, a cute young lady with ginger hair, seemed knowledgeable on the topic and would act as our apothecary.
Afterward, we would begin to search for copper, hoping to advance even further.
It was a difficult task to lead my realm towards prosperity, but thankfully I was gifted with those who seemed to have the necessary skills to aid us efficiently.
I guessed this was due to Osidon wanting us to advance as quickly as possible, as many of a worlds more complex problems would only begin to surface once our population grew, and our world was exposed to more ideas and technologies.
This would test our capabilities as gods.
I had been spending my time with Zerlos and sometimes Laomi, training with a sword that resembled the bokken, a wooden weapon used in the art of kenjutsu back on Earth.
In sparring, despite being much stronger than both of them, I was still able to learn many things about the ways of combat.
Martial arts were much more than a game of strength and endurance; there was a significant importance placed on technique and forms.
Even though I was strong enough with only my hands, I felt complete when I wielded the blade. I looked forward to when we would have gathered enough materials to make blades strong enough to be used efficiently in battle.
I also went over battle tactics with Zerlos.
Despite being well-read on Earth, my knowledge was well-rounded, so there was no topic that I was overly knowledgeable in.
The arts of war were a topic that could not be studied half-heartedly; therefore, it was important for me to become well-versed in this topic, especially since some of the other gods may have been war fanatics back wherever they had come from.
Dyliana had crafted mini wooden sculptures to be used as a board game to emulate battle. Despite being a god, this was another area where both Zerlos and Laomi were far greater than me.
Things went on this way for a few days until finally, a week had passed in Unus.
---
"It is time, Vale, god of the broken."
Osidon's voice boomed in my head as I sat on the crimson grass in meditation.
Time has truly flown, I thought to myself.
Or perhaps this event has just come faster than I believe it should have. Am I even close to being ready? And what of my people?
I couldn't help but worry, as I knew the words that would come next from Osidon.
"You have one hour to prepare for battle 001. Once you are ready, surround yourself with those that you wish to bring with you into battle. Make sure that they sit within a ten-meter radius from you, as well as any items or equipment you wish to bring along. From there, you will be transported to the world in which your battle will take place, afterward I will explain to you the rules of the first battle."
And then, the words of the Absolute faded away, leaving me to my own thoughts.
---
With no time to waste, I gathered all my disciples in the crimson field, sitting close enough to me that they would be transported.
Using plant fibers, all twelve of my disciples wore wooden swords, or perhaps a better name would be wooden sticks, strapped to their backs.
As we were yet to create any stone weaponry, I was the only one who wielded one, carrying the blade of the fallen man who had invaded us a few days before.
My disciples sat in anticipation, wondering why I had ordered them to meet in the crimson field, armed. Especially after the events of the survival event. They were fearful of what was to come.
What they didn't know was that this time, things were much more dangerous.
We were to go and war with a god.
"It has been made known to me that a battle awaits us," I spoke with confidence, as my disciples huddled amongst each other. It was daytime, and the sun shone upon us all.
"Yes, our world has seen a glimpse of battle; it was where I earned this sword." I held up the weapon. Though we had revered it as a mighty weapon, in truth, it was crude and weak. Though it was the best we could manage to make with such materials.
"This time, the enemies do not step foot in our world. Instead, this is an organized battle, orchestrated by a being much more powerful than I. If I could have turned it down, then I would have. But I can't, so we must accept the circumstances and act accordingly."
At first, the disciples seemed scared, but now they nodded their heads in agreement.
"I know just as much about the battle as you do, which is practically nothing. However, what I am certain of is that we face another god in this battle this time. Another being just like me."
Fear crept back into some of their faces, though they attempted not to show it. Those stronger and younger seemed to maintain their conviction. Especially Zerlos and Laomi.
They will be great assets.
"That is why I give you the option today. You do not have to fight if you do not wish to. However, I would appreciate all the help I can get. We know not the power or the numbers that this god will bring to the field, but I trust in my abilities as well as all of yours. I believe that regardless of who we bring to that field, we will be the ones to emerge victorious."
In truth, I did not believe the words I spoke, but I knew it was a necessary speech to give.
Many of my followers wore the wooden swords just because I had ordered them to; in reality, they had no idea how to use the tools.
Even I myself had just begun to learn, but at least I was gifted with physical prowess.
Still, it was necessary that I brought numbers with me to the field. I did not know the nature of the battle, but the more was often the merrier.
My disciples sat there for a few moments, turning the situation over in their heads, until Zerlos finally spoke.
"You can count me in, of course. If we cannot put our lives on the line for our god, then what sort of followers are we?"
Laomi grunted in agreement, followed by Thomasu, Dyliana, and Loven.
After a few moments, every one of my disciples had agreed to join me in battle, and the notion filled my heart with joy.
And with that, it was settled. I would step into the battlefield with twelve men and women by my side.
All I could hope was that my opponent was just as poorly prepared as I was.
---
We sat in the field, discussing things that hardly pertained to the battle.
The sight shocked me, as I wondered how my people were able to speak about such trivial things when their potential deaths loomed over the horizon.
No. I will do all I can to ensure that we return with our original numbers.
Then finally, after a long wait, I felt a sucking sound ringing through the air, and the world began to shift around us.
It is time. I said to myself, and we all vanished.